The Washington Football Team is heading to their Week 16 encounter against the Carolina Panthers without wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who's sidelined with a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, the team is expected to welcome running back Antonio Gibson back to the lineup after he missed the last two games with a toe injury, per NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo.
McLaurin played in Washington's most recent tilt against the Seattle Seahawks, contributing 77 yards on seven receptions in a 20-15 defeat. On the other hand, Gibson last played in the team's Week 13 matchup against the Steelers. The running back left that shocking victory early after suffering his toe injury.
With a valuable weapon in McLaurin being ruled out of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Gibson will be counted on to provide major contributions in his return to the lineup. Gibson has had a terrific rookie season when healthy, rushing for 659 yards and 11 touchdowns on 141 carries. He also has 32 catches for 233 yards.
Washington also expects other pieces in tight end Logan Thomas, running back J.D. McKissic, and receiver Cam Sims to step up for the team's offensive attack.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Haskins is still poised to serve as the team's starting quarterback for the second consecutive game as veteran playmaker Alex Smith continues to nurse his calf injury. Smith has been trying to work his way back on the field, but as of right now, it looks like it's going to be Haskins under center.
Head coach Ron Rivera's team currently holds a 6-8 record to sit atop the NFC East. A victory over the Panthers and a New York Giants loss to the Baltimore Ravens would give Washington the division title. Washington has come a long way since starting the season 2-7, with a recent four-game winning streak putting them in this position.
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